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Formula Feeding Chart by Age: How Much Formula Does a Baby Need?
The tin says one thing, the internet says another, and your baby has their own opinion. Here are the amounts the AAP actually recommends — by age and by weight — plus the safety rules that matter most with formula.
How much formula does a baby need?
Newborns start with about 30–60 ml (1–2 oz) per feed. Intake grows to 90–120 ml (3–4 oz) by the end of the first month and 180–240 ml (6–8 oz) by around 6 months.1,3
The AAP notes that after the first month, babies increase their intake by about 30 ml (1 oz) per month before leveling off at about 210–240 ml (7–8 oz) per feed.2 These are averages: some babies snack more often, others drink more and go longer between feeds.3
Formula feeding chart by age
| Age | Per feed | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Days 1–2 | About 15 ml (½ oz) | Every 2–3 hours, at least 8 feeds a day |
| First weeks | 30–60 ml (1–2 oz) | Every 2–3 hours |
| End of month 1 | 90–120 ml (3–4 oz) | Every 3–4 hours |
| ≈ 2 months | ≈ 120–150 ml (4–5 oz) | Every 3–4 hours |
| ≈ 4 months | ≈ 150–180 ml (5–6 oz) | Every 3–4 hours; many drop the night feed between 2 and 4 months |
| Around 6 months | 180–240 ml (6–8 oz) | 4–5 feeds a day, plus solid foods |
How much formula by weight?
On average, babies need about 165 ml of formula a day per kilogram of body weight (2½ oz per pound), but usually no more than about 960 ml (32 oz) in 24 hours.1,2
| Baby’s weight | Formula per day |
|---|---|
| 3 kg (6.6 lb) | ≈ 500 ml (16–17 oz) |
| 4 kg (8.8 lb) | ≈ 660 ml (22 oz) |
| 5 kg (11 lb) | ≈ 825 ml (27–28 oz) |
| 6 kg (13.2 lb) and up | ≈ 960 ml (32 oz) — the usual daily maximum |
Divide the daily amount by the number of feeds to get a rough per-bottle figure. For example, a 4 kg baby feeding 8 times a day would take about 80 ml per feed.
How do I know my baby is getting the right amount?
If your baby is growing well, has enough wet diapers, seems content most of the time and isn’t spitting up a lot, they are getting the right amount for them.2
- Still hungry? If your baby finishes the bottle and keeps smacking their lips, they may want more.1 If they regularly finish and still seem hungry, try increasing feeds by about 30 ml (1 oz) at a time.2
- Had enough? Fidgeting or getting easily distracted during a feed usually means they’re done.1 See our guide to hunger and fullness cues.
- Don’t push the last few ml. Bottle-fed babies may keep sucking even when full, and overfeeding can cause tummy pain, gas and spitting up.3 It’s better to offer a bit less and give more if needed.
How long is prepared formula good for?
Use prepared formula within 2 hours of making it, and within 1 hour from when the feed begins. Throw away anything left in the bottle after a feed.4
| Where | Use within |
|---|---|
| Once your baby starts feeding | 1 hour |
| At room temperature after preparing | 2 hours |
| In a cool bag with an ice pack | 4 hours |
| In the fridge | 24 hours |
| Leftovers after a feed | Throw away |
Why so strict? Bacteria multiply very fast at room temperature, and the mix of formula and your baby’s saliva helps them grow.4,5 At night, it is surprisingly easy to lose track of when a bottle was made. This is exactly the kind of thing we stopped trying to remember.
How to prepare formula safely
- Use freshly boiled water that is still at least 70°C. Boil at least 1 litre of fresh tap water and use it within 30 minutes.5 For babies under 2 months, born prematurely or with a weakened immune system, the CDC also advises using water at around 70°C — boil it and wait about 5 minutes.4
- Water first, then powder. Pour the water into the bottle first, then add powder with the scoop that came with that formula.5
- Follow the instructions exactly. Don’t add extra water or extra powder — too little powder may not give your baby enough nourishment.5
- Cool it down. Hold the closed bottle under cold running water, then test a few drops on the inside of your wrist — it should feel warm, not hot.5
- Never use a microwave. It heats unevenly and can create hot spots that burn your baby’s mouth.4,5
Which formula should I choose?
For most babies, a standard first infant formula is all they need for the whole first year.7
The NHS points out that there is no evidence babies settle better or sleep longer on “hungrier baby” formula, no evidence that comfort formulas prevent digestive problems, and goats’ milk formula is not less likely to cause allergies. Follow-on formula should never be given to babies under 6 months. Specialist formulas (anti-reflux, lactose-free, hypoallergenic) should be used only on medical advice.7
FAQ
How much formula should a newborn drink?
About 15 ml (½ oz) per feed for the first day or two, then 30–60 ml (1–2 oz) every 2–3 hours in the first weeks. By the end of the first month, most babies take 90–120 ml (3–4 oz) every 3–4 hours.
What is the maximum amount of formula per day?
The AAP says babies usually don’t need more than about 960 ml (32 oz) of formula in 24 hours. If your baby consistently wants more, talk to your pediatrician.
Can I reuse a bottle of formula my baby didn’t finish?
No. Throw away any formula left in the bottle after a feed. The mix of formula and saliva lets bacteria grow. Use a prepared bottle within 1 hour of starting the feed.
Sources
- American Academy of Pediatrics. Amount and Schedule of Baby Formula Feedings. HealthyChildren.org.
- American Academy of Pediatrics. How much formula does my baby need? HealthyChildren.org.
- American Academy of Pediatrics. How Often and How Much Should Your Baby Eat? HealthyChildren.org, 2024.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Infant Formula Preparation and Storage. Reviewed May 2026.
- NHS. How to make up baby formula.
- NHS. Formula milk: common questions.
- NHS. Types of formula.
This article shares parents’ experience and summarizes public guidance from the AAP, CDC and NHS. It is not medical advice. Always talk to your pediatrician about your baby’s feeding.